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When Our Adult Children Walk Away
My story. Reflecting my experiences, observations and perspective - in my words.
In the early spring of 2019, under the influence of her gatekeeper-partner, in the heart of the global pandemic. After several years of trying to sort through our differences, my (young) adult daughter made the heartbreaking choice to cut all communication with our family.
My name is Dr. Janet Steinkamp, and the reason for this podcast is simple. During the long, dark hours of my isolation and desperation, I decided to use my formal training and professional experience to help people struggling to understand how to strengthen their communication styles and interpersonal behavior to rebuild a fracturing relationship. I pivoted from decades of work in medical education and communication to work with families.
I now coach people, both parents and adult children, through the dark days, isolation, and pain of estrangement from their parent or adult child. We work to find hope and look toward the future, to grow despite and because of their estrangement, and find strategies that help them prepare to strengthen and rebuild their fractured relationship.
When you are ready to walk through the hot coals of self-reflection toward self-discovery - to prepare for repair - I'm here to walk alongside you.
I can't promise reconnection, I can and will help you find clarity, purpose and strength as you prepare for opportunities to establish respectful, trusting communication.
When Our Adult Children Walk Away
The Three A’s: Apology, Accountability & Amends - What's the Difference and Why It Matters
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What’s the difference between an apology, accountability, and making amends? Why does it matter so much to your adult child when you're estranged from them? I can't seem to get it right!
In this episode of When Our Adult Children Walk Away, Dr. Janet Steinkamp unpacks the emotional and practical power of these three crucial tools.
You'll learn:
✔️ Why simple apologies often fall short
✔️ How to take meaningful accountability without excuses
✔️ What makes amends letters work—or fail
✔️ Why consistent behavior change is the foundation of trust
Whether you still have contact or are navigating deep silence, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and guidance for building a path toward possible reconciliation—or simply becoming a healthier version of yourself.
💬 “Estrangement is a trauma. But it’s also an invitation to grow.”
#FamilyEstrangement #EmotionalHealing #SelfCareWhenEstranged #EstrangementGriefSupport #EstrangedParents
For more information, please visit
https://www.WhenOurAdultChildrenWalkAway.com
The stories, examples, reflections, and perspectives shared in this podcast are based on my professional work as an estrangement coach and my personal estrangement journey. Any examples, characters, or stories referenced are either drawn from my own lived experience or represent a composite of multiple real-life situations shared with me over time. The intention of this podcast is not to accuse, label, or defame any individual but to provide insight, validation, and support for those navigating the complexities of family estrangement. All opinions expressed are my own and are shared with you, the listener, from a place of healing and learning.